CN104978501A - Method and system for device authentication - Google Patents

Abstract

Various aspects of a system and a method for device authentication are disclosed herein. The method includes generating one or more vibrations in an electronic device in response to receiving a first user input. In response to the received first user input, a plurality of user interface (UI) objects are displayed. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with a corresponding pre-configured number of vibrations. In response to the displayed plurality of UI objects, a second user input is received that enables selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects. An access to the electronic device is authenticated when the pre-configured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations.

Description

Method and system for device authentication

technical field

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to device authentication. More specifically, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to authenticating devices with vibration-based feedback.

Background technique

A touch screen is an electronic visual display that can be controlled by a user with simple or multi-touch gestures by touching the screen with a dedicated stylus/tip. Touch screens are often used with haptic response systems. An example of such technology would be a system that causes the device to vibrate when a button on a touch screen is tapped. Haptic technology (or haptics) is a tactile feedback technology that utilizes touch sensing by applying force, vibration, or motion to the user. Haptic devices may include tactile sensors that measure the force exerted by a user on an interface.

With the advent of a new generation of touchscreen consumer electronics (CE) devices such as touch-compatible CE devices, smart phones, handheld personal digital assistants, the need for more secure means of device authentication increases. However, existing techniques for authenticating to access CE devices do not always provide the required level of security.

Other limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing the described system with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Contents of the invention

There is provided a method and system for device authentication as more fully set forth in the claims, substantially as shown and/or described in connection with at least one of the accompanying drawings.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from a reading of the following detailed description of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed systems and methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed systems and methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed systems and methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for device authentication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for device authentication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

Implementations described below can be found in methods and systems for device authentication. Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure may include generating one or more vibrations in response to receiving the first user input. In response to receiving a first user input, a plurality of user interface (UI) objects may be displayed. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations. In response to the displayed plurality of UI objects, a second user input may be received that enables selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects. Access to the electronic device may be authenticated when a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations.

In one embodiment, each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured vibration frequency. In another embodiment, each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured vibration intensity. In another embodiment, each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations in a preconfigured vibration direction.

In one embodiment, the first user input may include one of a press and hold operation of a hardware or software button of the electronic device, a single press of a hardware or software button, and the like.

In one embodiment, the second user input may include one of selecting one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects, or releasing a selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects.

In one embodiment, the plurality of UI objects displayed may include one or more of images, icons, alphanumeric text, and the like.

In one embodiment, the authentication of access to the electronic device may include one or more of an operation of unlocking the electronic device, an operation of accessing one or more applications installed in the electronic device, and the like.

In one embodiment, the plurality of UI objects may be redisplayed when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the one or more vibrations generated. In another embodiment, an additional plurality of UI objects may be displayed when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the one or more vibrations generated.

According to another embodiment, a plurality of UI objects associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations may be displayed. A first user input can be received. In one embodiment, the first user input may be selection of one or more of the plurality of UI objects displayed. A plurality of vibrations may be generated in response to receiving the first user input. A second user input may be received after a period of time in response to generating the plurality of vibrations. Access to the electronic device may be authenticated when the number of vibrations in the first time period matches a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selected one or more displayed UI objects.

In this embodiment, the second user input may include a tilt operation performed on the electronic device in a preconfigured direction.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 , a block diagram 100 is shown that includes an electronic device 102 , a remote resource 104 and a communication network 106 . Electronic device 102 may include one or more processors, such as processor 108 , vibration motor 110 , memory 112 , sensing device 114 , and one or more input/output devices such as I/O device 116 . The electronic device 102 may also include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 118 , a graphical user interface (GUI) 120 (not shown in FIG. 1 ), and a display screen 122 . The electronic device 102 can be associated with a user 124 .

The electronic device 102 may include suitable logic components, circuits, interfaces, and/or code operable to receive a plurality of UI objects, such as graphical icons, streamed from the remote resource 104 . In one embodiment, electronic device 102 may receive one or more instructions from user 124 via I/O device 116 , such as display screen 122 . In one embodiment, the electronic device 102 may be a haptic device that includes one or more tactile sensors to measure the force exerted by the user 124 on the GUI 120. The electronic device 102 may be configured to communicate remotely with a remote handheld device via a wired connection or short-range communication.

Electronic device 102 may be communicatively coupled with remote resource 104 via communication network 106 . Processor 108 in electronic device 102 may be communicatively coupled with vibration motor 110 , memory 112 , sensing device 114 , and I/O device 116 . Processor 108 may communicate with communication network 106 via RF transceiver 118 . The electronic device can be associated with a user 124 via a GUI shown on the display screen 122 . Examples of electronic device 102 may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, digital printers, laptops, tablet computers, televisions, video displays, and/or personal digital assistant (PDA) devices.

The remote resource 104 may include suitable logic devices, circuits, interfaces, and/or code that may be reconfigured to store data (hereinafter, referred to as a set of pre-stored data). The set of pre-stored data may include alphanumeric and non-alphanumeric data. Non-alphanumeric data may include multiple images and a set of gestures, eg, hand gestures, finger gestures, facial gestures, and/or body gestures. Non-alphanumeric data may also include speech (or audio) input. In one embodiment, remote resource 104 may connect to electronic device 102 via RF transceiver 118 . In another embodiment, the remote resource 104 may be integrated with the memory 112 of the electronic device 102 . Remote resources 104 can be implemented using a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Communication network 106 may include a medium through which electronic device 102 may communicate with remote resource 104 and/or other electronic devices (not shown). Examples of communication network 106 may include, but are not limited to, the Internet, a cloud network, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a local area network (LAN), a telephone line (POTS), and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN). The various devices in block diagram 100 are operable to connect to communication network 106 in accordance with various wired and wireless communication protocols. Examples of such wired and wireless communication protocols may include, but are not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP) , ZigBee, EDGE, infrared (IR), IEEE 802.11, 802.16, cellular communication protocols, and/or Bluetooth (Bluetooth, BT) communication protocols.

Processor 108 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code operable to execute a set of instructions stored in memory 112 . Processor 108 may be implemented based on a variety of processor technologies known in the art. Examples of processor 108 may be an X86-based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, and/or any other processor.

Vibration motor 110 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and/or interfaces that may interface with an off-center weight. This eccentric weight can generate vibratory feedback to notify the user 124 of the event. In one embodiment, the vibration motor 110 may be associated with one or more tactile sensors to generate vibration feedback. Examples of implementations of the vibration motor 110 may include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibration motor or a coin ERM vibration motor.

The memory 112 may include suitable logic devices, circuits and/or interfaces operable to store machine code and/or computer programs having at least one code segment executable by the processor 108 . The memory 112 is also operable to store a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with one or more of the plurality of UI objects displayed on the display screen 122 . The memory 112 is also operable to store a preconfigured frequency, intensity, and/or direction of vibrations associated with a preconfigured number of vibrations. Memory 112 is also operable to store one or more keys (for use by user 124 configured as a system administrator), one or more user profiles (such as that of user 124), and/or any other data. Examples of implementations of memory 112 may include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk drives (HDD), and secure digital (SD) cards.

Sensing device 114 may include suitable logic devices, circuits and/or interfaces operable to store machine code and/or computer programs having at least one code segment executable by processor 108 . Sensing device 114 may include one or more sensors to confirm identification, identification and/or authentication of user 124 . The one or more sensors may include a camera for detecting at least one of user 124's fingerprints, palm geometry, two-dimensional or three-dimensional facial contours, iris characteristics, and/or retinal scans. The one or more sensors may also include a thermal camera for capturing the thermal radiation (or thermogram) of the user 124 and a microphone for detecting the voice pattern of the user 124 . The one or more sensors may include capacitive touch sensors for detecting one or more touch-based inputs received from user 124 via display screen 122 . The one or more sensors may also include tactile sensors for measuring the force exerted by the user 124 on the GUI 120.

Sensing device 114 may implement various known algorithms for user identification, user discrimination, and/or user authentication. Examples of such algorithms include, but are not limited to, algorithms for haptic rendering, facial recognition, speech recognition, iris recognition, password matching, and/or fingerprint matching. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any characteristic characteristic of the user may be accepted as user input for identification purposes at least in the current context.

I/O device 116 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code operable to receive input or provide output to user 124 . I/O devices 116 may include various input and output devices operable to communicate with processor 108 . Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, keyboards, mice, joysticks, touch screens, microphones, cameras, motion sensors, light sensors, and/or docking stations. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a display screen 122 and/or speakers.

RF transceiver 118 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code operable to communicate with remote resource 104 via communication network 106 . The RF transceiver 118 may implement known techniques for supporting wired or wireless communication of the electronic device 102 with the communication network 106 . RF transceiver 118 may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) ) card and/or local buffer. The RF transceiver 118 may communicate by wireless communication with a network such as the Internet, a corporate intranet, and/or a wireless network such as a cellular network, a wireless local area network (LAN), and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN). Wireless communication can use such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (for example, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, and IEEE 802.11n), VoIP, Wi-MAX, email protocols, instant messaging, and/or short messaging Any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and technologies for SMS (SMS).

GUI 120 may be shown on display screen 122 to allow user 124 to interact with electronic device 102 through a plurality of user interface (UI) objects shown on display screen 122. The plurality of UI objects may include graphical icons, alphanumeric text, visual indicators such as secondary annotations, and the like. In one embodiment, GUI 120 is operable to measure force exerted by user 124 on one or more of a plurality of UI objects via tactile sensors. Actions performed in GUI 120 may be performed by direct manipulation of various UI objects shown on display screen 122.

Display 122 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code operable to display a plurality of UI objects to user 124 . Display 122 is also operable to display one or more features and/or applications of electronic device 102 to user 124 . Display 122 is also operable to receive input from user 124 via a touch-sensitive screen. This input may be received from user 124 via a virtual keyboard, stylus, touch-based input, and/or gestures. Display screen 122 may be implemented by a number of known technologies such as, but not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED) display technology, and the like.

User 124 may operate electronic device 102 as a system administrator. In one embodiment, the user 124 may be the owner of the electronic device 102 . User 124 may configure a personal computing environment including electronic device 102 .

In operation, as an optional step, the sensing device 114 in the electronic device 102 may be configured to perform preliminary authentication, eg, facial recognition of the user 124 . In one embodiment, user 124 is not authenticated based on an unsuccessful match of the preliminary authentication.

In another embodiment, user 124 may be authenticated based on a successful match of the preliminary authentication. Accordingly, processor 108 may receive a first user input from user 124 associated with electronic device 102 .

In one embodiment, the first user input may be a press and hold or a single press of a hardware button of the electronic device 102 . In another embodiment, the first user input may be a press and hold or a single press of a software button displayed on the GUI 120 shown on the display screen 122. In one embodiment, the first user input may be a press and hold operation on a pre-configured UI object shown on the display screen 122 . In this embodiment, the plurality of UI objects may be one or more of images, icons, and/or alphanumeric text. In one embodiment, the first user input may be selecting one or more UI objects from among a plurality of UI objects displayed on GUI 120. In one embodiment, the first user input may be a touch-based input provided by user 124 via GUI 120. The first user input may be provided by means of hardware buttons on the electronic device 102 or by a pointing device such as an electronic mouse.

In response to receiving the first user input, processor 108 may access memory 112 to determine a vibration feedback mode. In another embodiment, processor 108 may access remote resource 104 via RF transceiver 118 and communication network 106 to determine the vibration feedback pattern. In one embodiment, the vibration feedback pattern may include one or more vibrations. In another embodiment, the vibration feedback pattern may include multiple sets of vibrations. In one embodiment, a vibration feedback pattern is associated with the first user input. This association may be stored in memory 112 and/or in remote resource 104 .

Based on the determination of the vibration feedback mode, processor 108 may send instructions to vibration motor 110 . In response to the received command, the vibration motor 110 may generate one or more vibrations corresponding to the determined vibration feedback pattern. In one embodiment, the vibration motor 110 can generate multiple sets of vibrations.

In response to the one or more vibrations being generated, processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects on GUI 120. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations. An association between each of the displayed plurality of UI objects and a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations may be stored in memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 .

Processor 108 is further operable to receive a second user input from user 124 . In one embodiment, the second user input may be a release and hold operation or a single press of a hardware button of the electronic device 102 . In one embodiment, the second user input may be a release and hold operation or another single press of a software button displayed on the GUI 120 shown on the display screen 122. In one embodiment, the second user input may be a release and hold operation on a pre-configured UI object shown on the display screen 122 . In one embodiment, the second user input may be deselection of one or more UI objects selected from a plurality of UI objects displayed on GUI 120. In one embodiment, where multiple sets of vibrations are generated, user 124 may provide a second user input corresponding to each of the multiple sets of vibrations.

In one embodiment, processor 108 may determine a first set of characteristics of one or more vibrations produced in response to a received first user input. The first set of characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a first amount of one or more vibrations, a first frequency of one or more vibrations, a first intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or a first magnitude of one or more vibrations first direction.

Processor 108 may further determine a second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input. The second set of characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a second amount of one or more vibrations, a second frequency of one or more vibrations, a second intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or a second amount of one or more vibrations second direction.

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations do not match a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is not authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Accordingly, user 124 is denied access to execute one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . In one embodiment, a plurality of UI objects may be redisplayed to receive another second input from the user 124 . In another embodiment, an additional plurality of UI objects may be displayed to receive another second input from the user 124 .

Where one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations successfully matches a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Accordingly, user 124 may perform one or more functions on electronic device 102 . Examples of the one or more functions may include, but are not limited to, an operation to unlock the electronic device 102 and/or an operation to access one or more applications installed in the electronic device 102 .

According to another embodiment, the processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects on the GUI 120. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations. This association between each of the displayed plurality of UI objects and the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations may be stored in memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 .

The processor 108 may receive a first user input from a user 124 associated with the electronic device 102 . In response to receiving the first user input, processor 108 may access memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 to determine a vibration feedback mode. In one embodiment, a vibration feedback pattern may be associated with the first user input. This association may be stored in memory 112 and/or in remote resource 104 .

Based on the determination of the vibration feedback mode, processor 108 may send instructions to vibration motor 110 . In response to the received instruction, the vibration motor 110 may generate a plurality of vibrations corresponding to the determined vibration feedback pattern.

In response to the plurality of vibrations, processor 108 is operable to receive a second user input from user 124 . This second user input may be received from user 124 after a certain period of time. In one embodiment, the second user input may be a tilt operation performed by the user 124 on the electronic device 102 in a predetermined direction. A tilt operation may be performed in conjunction with the first user input after a certain period of time.

In one embodiment, in response to receiving a first user input, processor 108 may determine a first set of characteristics of one or more vibrations generated during a first period of time. The first set of characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a first amount of one or more vibrations, a first frequency of one or more vibrations, a first intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or a first magnitude of one or more vibrations first direction.

Processor 108 may also determine a second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input. The second set of characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a second amount of one or more vibrations, a second frequency of one or more vibrations, a second intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or a second amount of one or more vibrations second direction. The second set of characteristics may also include a tilt angle and/or a tilt direction associated with a second user input, such as a tilt operation.

In the event that the first set of characteristics of one or more vibrations do not match the corresponding second set of characteristics of the preconfigured number of vibrations, the user 124 is denied access to execute one or more functions and/or applications of the electronic device 102 .

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations successfully matches a corresponding second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations, processor 108 may also use preconfigured tilt angles stored in memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 and/or tilt direction to further confirm the tilt angle or tilt direction. Based on a successful match and a successful confirmation, the user 124 may be authenticated for access to one or more functions and/or applications of the electronic device 102 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an exemplary scenario for authentication according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The diagram 200 of FIG. 2 is described in conjunction with the block diagram of FIG. 1 . Diagram 200 includes a plurality of UI objects 202 , two scrollable arrows 204 a and 204 b , a hardware button 206 and a software button 208 . However, the present disclosure is not so limited and other implementations with or without hardware buttons and/or software buttons can be implemented without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 120 on a display screen of the electronic device 102 is shown. A hardware button 206 may be located on the electronic device 102 . Software button 208 may be a dedicated software button displayed in GUI 120. In one embodiment, the software button 208 may be one of a plurality of UI objects 202 displayed on the GUI 120.

GUI 120 may include a plurality of UI objects 202 displayed on a display screen. The plurality of UI objects 202 may be general images connected to the electronic device 102 . The plurality of UI objects 202 may include a plurality of personalized images uploaded by the user 124 . The plurality of UI objects 202 may also include custom alphanumeric text specified by the user 124 . The plurality of UI objects 202 may be displayed to the user 124 in a preconfigured format. Preconfigured formats may include matrix format (rows and columns), tiled format with arrow-like scroll bars, scrollable rows and columns, and the like. In the exemplary case, multiple UI objects 202 are displayed using a matrix format with two scrollable arrows 204a and 204b.

As a first user input, the user 124 may provide a press and hold operation of a hardware button 206 located on the electronic device 102 or a software button 208 displayed in the GUI 120.

In response to the first user input, processor 108 may access memory 112 to, for example, determine a vibration feedback pattern (such as a count of three vibrations or a count of three sets of 3-2-3 vibrations). Based on the determination of the vibration feedback pattern, the processor 108 may send instructions to the vibration motor 110 to generate a count of three vibrations or a count of three sets of 3-2-3 vibrations. However, the present disclosure may not be limited and may include any combination of sets of vibrations without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Processor 108 may determine a first set of characteristics of a vibration feedback pattern (such as a count of three vibrations or a count of three sets of 3-2-3 vibrations) generated in response to the received first user input. Examples of the first set of characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a first amount of one or more vibrations, a first frequency of one or more vibrations, a first intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or one or more The first direction of vibration. In one embodiment, processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects on GUI 120 in response to the generated vibration feedback. In another embodiment, the processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects on the GUI 120 prior to generating vibration feedback. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

Processor 108 is further operable to receive a second user input from user 124 . In one embodiment, the second user input may include releasing the press on the hardware button 206 or the software button 208 and maintaining the operation. In case three sets of vibrations are generated, the user 124 may provide three UI objects selected from among the displayed plurality of UI objects as a second user input. Each selection of the three UI objects may correspond to each of the three sets of vibrations.

Processor 108 may also determine a second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input. Examples of the second set of characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a second number of one or more vibrations, a second frequency of one or more vibrations, a second intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or one or more Second direction of vibration.

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations do not match a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is not authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . In this case, the plurality of UI objects 202 may be redisplayed to receive another second user input from the user 124 .

Where one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations successfully matches a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 illustrating another exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed systems and methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 300 of FIG. 3 is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 2 . Referring to FIG. 3 , a UI object 302 is shown. The UI object is one of the plurality of UI objects 202 that have been described in detail with respect to FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 3, the user 124 may provide selection of the hardware button 206 within a predetermined period of time, such as 3 seconds. In response to the first user input, processor 108 may access memory 112 to determine a vibration feedback mode.

Based on the determination of the vibration feedback mode, processor 108 may send instructions to vibration motor 110 . In response to the received command, the vibration motor 110 may generate one or more vibrations corresponding to the determined vibration feedback pattern.

In one embodiment, processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects on GUI 120 in response to the generated vibration feedback. In another embodiment, processor 108 may display multiple UI objects on GUI 120 prior to generating oscillatory feedback. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

Processor 108 is further operable to receive a second user input (such as selection of UI object 302 ) from user 124 .

Processor 108 may determine a first set of characteristics of one or more vibrations generated in response to the received first user input, such as a count of three high intensity vibrations 304 in a rightward direction 306 .

Processor 108 may also determine a second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selection of UI object 302 .

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations do not match a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is not authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Accordingly, user 124 is denied access to execute one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . In one embodiment, a plurality of UI objects may be redisplayed to receive another second input from the user 124 . In another embodiment, an additional plurality of UI objects may be displayed to receive another second input from the user 124 .

Where one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations successfully matches a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 illustrating another exemplary scenario for implementing the disclosed systems and methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram 400 of FIG. 4 is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 3 .

Referring to FIG. 4, the processor 108 may display a plurality of UI objects 202 on the GUI 120. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

Processor 108 may receive a first user input (such as selection of UI object 302 ) from user 124 .

In response to receiving the first user input, processor 108 may access memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 to determine a vibration feedback mode. A vibration feedback pattern may be associated with the first user input. This association may be stored in memory 112 and/or in remote resource 104 .

Based on the determination of the vibration feedback mode, processor 108 may send instructions to vibration motor 110 . In response to the received instruction, the vibration motor 110 may generate a plurality of vibrations corresponding to the determined vibration feedback pattern.

In response to the plurality of vibrations, processor 108 is operable to receive a second user input from user 124 . This second user input may be received from user 124 after a period of time, such as 5 seconds. The second user input may be a tilt operation performed by the user 124 on the electronic device 102 towards the left direction (as shown by the dotted line).

For example, in response to receiving a first user input, processor 108 may determine a first set of characteristics of one or more vibrations generated within 5 seconds.

Processor 108 may further determine a second set of characteristics of a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input. The second set of characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a second amount of one or more vibrations, a second frequency of one or more vibrations, a second intensity of one or more vibrations, and/or a second amount of one or more vibrations second direction. The second set of characteristics may also include a tilt angle, eg 30 degrees, and/or a tilt direction, eg towards the left, associated with the tilt operation.

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations do not match a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, user 124 is not authenticated for accessing one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Accordingly, user 124 is denied access to execute one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 .

In the event that one or more first set of characteristics of vibrations successfully matches a preconfigured number of corresponding second set of characteristics of vibrations, processor 108 may use the preconfigured tilt angles and tilt angles stored in memory 112 and/or remote resource 104 /or Tilt Direction Confirm the tilt angle and/or tilt direction. Based on a successful match and a successful confirmation, the user 124 may be authenticated for access to one or more functions and/or applications of the electronic device 102 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for device authentication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5 , a flowchart 500 is shown. Flowchart 500 is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4 . The method starts at step 502 and proceeds to step 504 .

In step 504 , a first user input may be received from a user 124 associated with the electronic device 102 .

In step 506, in response to the first user input, an instruction may be sent to the vibration motor 10 to generate one or more vibrations.

In step 508, a plurality of UI objects may be displayed in response to the received first user input. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

In step 510, a second user input enabling selection of one or more from the displayed plurality of UI objects may be received.

In step 512, a determination may be made as to whether a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the one or more vibrations generated. In the event that the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input successfully matches the generated one or more vibrations, control proceeds to step 514 .

In step 514 , user 124 is authenticated to access one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Control proceeds to a final step 516 .

In the event that the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the one or more vibrations generated, control proceeds to step 518 . In step 518 , user 124 is not authenticated for accessing functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Control proceeds to end step 516 .

FIG. 6 is another flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for device authentication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6 , a flowchart 600 is shown. Flowchart 600 is described in conjunction with the block diagrams of FIGS. 1-4 . The method starts at step 602 and proceeds to step 604 . In step 604, a plurality of UI objects may be displayed. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

In step 606, a selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be received as a first user input from the user. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations.

At step 608, the vibration motor may generate a plurality of vibrations in response to receiving the first user input.

In step 610, a second user input may be received after a period of time in response to generating the plurality of vibrations.

In step 612, the number of vibrations during the time period may be compared to a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with one or more selected from the displayed plurality of UI objects. In the event that the number of vibrations in the time period successfully matches the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selected one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects, control proceeds to step 614 .

In step 614 , user 124 is authenticated to access one or more functions and/or applications of electronic device 102 . Control proceeds to end step 616.

In the event that the number of vibrations in the period does not match a preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selected one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects, control proceeds to step 618 . In step 618 , the user 124 is not authenticated, and the user 124 is denied access to functions and/or applications of the electronic device 102 . Control proceeds to end step 616.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for authenticating an electronic device 102 is disclosed. Electronic device 102 includes one or more processors (hereinafter referred to as processors 108 ) operable to generate one or more vibrations in response to receiving a first user input. A first set of UI objects may also be displayed in response to receiving the first user input. Each of the displayed first set of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations. In response to the displayed first set of UI objects, a second user input enabling selection of one or more from the displayed plurality of UI objects may be received. Access to the electronic device 102 may be authenticated when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium and/or storage medium storing machine code and/or computer programs having at least one code segment executable by a machine and/or computer for device authentication , and/or non-transitory machine-readable media and/or storage media. At least one code segment in electronic device 102 associated with user 124 may cause the machine and/or computer to perform steps including generating one or more vibrations in response to a received first user input. A plurality of UI objects may also be displayed in response to receiving the first user input. Each of the displayed plurality of UI objects may be associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations. In response to the displayed plurality of UI objects, a second user input enabling selection of one or more from the displayed plurality of UI objects may be received. Access to the electronic device 102 may be authenticated when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations.

The present disclosure can be realized with hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure can be implemented in a centralized fashion in at least one receiving system or in a distributed fashion where different elements can be distributed across multiple interconnected computer systems. A computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suitable. The combination of hardware and software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, which may comprise part of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.

The present disclosure can also be embedded in a computer program product comprising all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and being able to perform these methods when loaded in a computer system. In this context, a computer program means any expression (in any language, code or notation) of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having information processing capabilities to directly perform a specific function, or in the process of One or both then perform a specific function: a) conversion into another language, code or annotation; b) reproduction in a different physical form.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. A method for device authentication, the method comprising: In electronic devices: generating one or more vibrations in response to receiving the first user input; displaying a plurality of user interface UI objects in response to said received first user input, wherein each of said displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations; receiving a second user input enabling selection of one or more UI objects from said displayed plurality of UI objects; and Access to the electronic device is authenticated when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured vibration frequency. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured vibration intensity. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations in a preconfigured vibration direction. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first user input comprises one of: a press and hold operation of a hardware or software button of the electronic device, a single press of a hardware or software button. 6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second user input comprises one of: the selection of the one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects, releasing a pair of The selection of the one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayed plurality of UI objects comprise one or more of images, icons, and/or alphanumeric text. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said authenticating said access to said electronic device comprises one or more of: the act of unlocking said electronic device, accessing The operation of one or more applications on a device. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the generated one or more vibrations, The plurality of UI objects are redisplayed. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the generated one or more vibrations, Displays additional UI objects. 11. A method for authentication, the method comprising: In electronic devices: displaying a plurality of user interface UI objects, wherein each of said displayed plurality of UI objects is associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations; receiving a first user input enabling selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects; generating a plurality of vibrations in response to said receiving said first user input; receiving a second user input after a period of time in response to said generating a plurality of vibrations; When the number of the plurality of vibrations within the time period matches the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selected one or more of the displayed plurality of UI objects, authenticating to the access to the electronic device. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the displayed plurality of UI objects includes one or more of images, icons, and/or alphanumeric text. 13. The method of claim 11 , wherein said authenticating said access to said electronic device comprises one or more of: the act of unlocking said electronic device, and/or accessing an operation of one or more applications in the electronic device. 14. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the first user input comprises one of the following operations: a press and hold operation of a hardware button or a software button of the electronic device, and a single press of a hardware button or a software button press. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the second user input comprises a tilt operation of the electronic device in a preconfigured direction. 16. A system for authentication, the system comprising: One or more processors in an electronic device, the one or more processors operable to: generating one or more vibrations in response to receiving the first user input; displaying a first set of user interface UI objects in response to said received first user input, wherein each of said displayed first set of UI objects is associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations; receiving a second user input enabling selection of one or more of the displayed first set of UI objects; and Access to the electronic device is authenticated when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input matches the generated one or more vibrations. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the displayed first set of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured frequency of vibrations. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the displayed first set of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations at a preconfigured vibration intensity. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the displayed first set of UI objects is associated with the corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations in a preconfigured vibration direction. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the first user input comprises one of: a press-and-hold operation of a hardware or software button of the electronic device, and a single press of a hardware or software button press. 21. The system of claim 16, wherein when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the one or more vibrations generated, The first set of UI objects is redisplayed. 22. The system of claim 16, wherein when the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the received second user input does not match the one or more vibrations generated, Display the second set of UI objects. 23. A system for device authentication, the system comprising: One or more processors in an electronic device, the one or more processors operable to: displaying a set of user interface (UI) objects, wherein each of said displayed set of UI objects is associated with a corresponding preconfigured number of vibrations; receiving a first user input enabling selection of one or more of said displayed set of UI objects; generating a plurality of vibrations in response to said receiving said first user input; receiving a second user input after a first period of time in response to said generating a plurality of vibrations; and When the number of vibrations of the plurality of vibrations within the first time period matches the preconfigured number of vibrations associated with the selected one or more of the displayed set of UI objects, authenticating Access to the Electronic Device. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the second user input comprises tilting the electronic device in a preconfigured direction.